It is getting to be that time of year again. I can’t wait to go to the new and improved Chilifest. So… The festival committee decided to clean the midway up, sorta speak. I think the fest is only going to be a two day event and there will be arts and craft booths. That is a good step in the right direction. Last year my family and I got stuck in a rain storm. We headed for shelter under the food tent, along with about twenty teenagers who were smoking up a storm. One teenage couple even had their newborn baby with them. Isn’t that nice. It was hard to see the baby through the smoke, but she was there. I am glad to see that they are trying to make the event more family orientated. I sound so old saying that…I can remember being one of those teenagers, only we didn’t smoke out in the open. Way back then, the carnival was across the street at Chili Paul parking lot. Oh… my girlfriends and I, clad in halter tops and terrycloth shorts ( purchased at Kmart, no less!!) would go up there and talk with all the carnies. We thought we were so cool. Now I am semi over the hill and alot wiser. I look forward to taking my son every year to the parade and fireworks. I just have one rant….What is with the outfits that the cheerleading groups are wearing? What kind of cheering is going on these days and most important, who are they cheering for? It almost looks X rated. My extended family and I gather every year for the parade and this topic always comes up. Here are these young girls, scantly dressed, gyrating down Chili Ave. I know I mentioned about wearing halters and shorts but…..I wasn’t marching in a family orientated parade, besides a halter and shorts is more than these girls wear.

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I became interested in journalism back in 1982 when I became a paperboy for the Times Union and the Democrat and Chronicle. After that, I took a couple of journalism and photography classes, which is my true love. Telling stories through images is my passion; I recently became a freelance photographer for the Democrat and Chronicle.

Most of my adult life has been in the public safety sector both as a volunteer firefighter and paramedic. I was raised and still live in Chili and have many friends in the community. I encourage you to contact me with any idea you may have at JohnSpaulding@Gmail.com or @JohnSpaulding on Twitter.

Tim Davis

My family history in Wheatland dates back over a century. My wife, kids and I have lived here for 10 years. I'm a member of the Mumford Neighborhood Association, and I've run for Wheatland Town Council twice. My goal for this blog will be improving communication in our community and promoting all the great activities, organizations and businesses that we have in Wheatland. We're very fortunate in Wheatland to have some of the greatest hidden gems in all of Monroe County. If you have any ideas or suggestions for stories, please email me at davistr@hotmail.com.